Rani Mukerji signs Yash Raj's next film

Rani Mukerji

Yash Raj Films announced its next release 'Mardaani' which will be directed by Pradeep Sarkar and produced by Aditya Chopra. Instead of picking his personal choice, Vidya Balan, Sarkar went ahead and signed YRF's all-time favourite Rani Mukerji. She will be playing the lead role as a police officer for the first time.

YRF spokesperson confirmed the news while Sarkar said: "The film will be raw and gritty. It is something that neither Rani nor I have attempted before. And it's always good to invade in new territories, isn't it?"

'Laga Chunari Mein Daag' and 'Lafangey Parindey' are the last projects done by Sarkar for Yash Raj Films. Meanwhile, Rani's last movie was 'Talaash: The Answer Lies Within' for which she was nominated for a Filmfare award for the best supporting actress.

It was beginning to seem that the role of a supporting actress was dominating Rani's world as her last film as a lead, 'Aiyaa' failed miserably at the box office.

It could be that Rani's character in 'Mardaani' will be appreciated considering her role in 'No One Killed Jessica' won her a Filmfare award for best supporting actress where she also played a gritty character. However, seeing Rani in a cop uniform will be incredibly entertaining to watch.

This year Rani will be seen in 'Bombay Talkies' which is meant to celebrate 100 years of Indian Cinema as well as in a guest appearance in Rohit Shetty's 'Chennai Express'.

Shooting for 'Mardaani' will start towards the end of this year and will begin with a major portion being shot in Mumbai.